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Cooperative Automated Transportation

Cooperative Automated Transportation, including autonomous and connected vehicles, has the potential to improve safety and enhance livability for all our residents.

WSDOT is committed to preparing for the evolution of Cooperative Automated Transportation technologies, viewing it not as replacing drivers with technology but rather finding ways to enhance livability in our communities while planning for the future.

Connected vehicles are able to communicate automatically with other vehicles and infrastructure.

Autonomous vehicles (also called fully automated or self-driving) do not require a driver to operate the vehicle or monitor roadway conditions. There are several levels of increasing automation.

What is WSDOT doing to prepare and plan for Cooperative Automated Transportation?

WSDOT's internal Cooperative Automated Transportation Work Group is investigating the challenges and opportunities CAT brings to Washington roadways. WSDOT is focused on the infrastructure needs of connected and automated vehicles as well as CAT’s implications for transit and freight travel, while also working with other state agencies on broader CAT topics. The WSDOT work group serves as a consolidated clearinghouse to communicate, coordinate, evaluate and pursue CAT related issues; provide insight, guidance, and direction; and establish institutional knowledge and expertise within multiple WSDOT divisions. Members also lead and participate in regional and national CAT related forums.

Automated work zone vehicles - Improving safety by eliminating the need for a driver in some staging vehicles.

Other areas of CAT focus/study within WSDOT

Connecting people to transit – Including autonomous shuttles and first/last mile connections to transit and rideshare companies (40 percent of every day trips are one mile or less; 60 percent of these trips are taken in an automobile).

Active traffic management – Connected vehicles communicating with each other and the infrastructure will help make traffic operations more efficient.

Testing in Washington state

While not regulated by WSDOT, the safe use of any Cooperative Automated Transportation vehicle is a priority for the state. Gov. Jay Inslee set parameters for safe operations and testing and his executive order requires: